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Process for a foreigner buying a new car

Disclaimer: The rules for Buying a Vehicle can change. We will try to keep this information up to date, but we recommend checking the latest requirements.

Buying a new car in Turkey as a foreigner involves several steps, including legal, financial, and administrative procedures. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the process:

Eligibility and Preliminary Requirements

Residency Status
Foreigners can buy a car in Turkey regardless of their residency status.
However, having a valid residence permit or a Turkish ID number (T.C. Kimlik No) simplifies the process.
Tourists or short-term visitors may face additional challenges, especially with registration and insurance.

Turkish Tax Identification Number
A tax identification number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) is essential for any vehicle purchase.
Foreigners can obtain this from the local tax office (Vergi Dairesi) by presenting their passport.

Choosing the Car

New Car Dealerships
Visit authorized dealerships for new cars.
Prices are usually fixed but may have seasonal promotions.
You can negotiate on optional features or financing terms.

Model and Specifications
Decide on the make, model, engine type (gasoline, diesel, electric), and optional features.
Consider fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and resale value (most vehicle resale values are high, unlike the UK where they lose value quickly).

Price and Payment

Base price of the car
Value Added Tax (VAT), check with the dealer before purchasing.
Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), which varies depending on engine size and car price.
Registration fees and insurance costs.

Payment Methods
Cash payment or bank transfer is common.
Some dealerships offer financing options, including installment plans.
Foreigners may need to provide proof of income or creditworthiness for financing.

Documentation Required
Valid passport.
Turkish tax identification number.
Residence permit or visa (if applicable).
Driver’s license (an international driver’s license is acceptable, but a Turkish license is recommended for long-term use).
Proof of address in Turkey (utility bill, rental contract, or official document).

Vehicle Registration (Tescil)

Where to Register
Registration is done at the local Traffic Registration Office (Trafik Tescil Şube Müdürlüğü).

Documents for Registration
Purchase invoice (Fatura).
Customs clearance document (if applicable).
Vehicle inspection report (for used cars, not usually required for new cars).
Proof of identity and tax number.
Insurance policy (mandatory traffic insurance).

Registration Process
Submit documents to the registration office.
Pay registration fees.
Receive license plates and registration certificate (Ruhsat).

Insurance

Mandatory Traffic Insurance (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası)
Required by law before the car can be registered.
Covers third-party damages.
Can be purchased from many insurance companies.

Optional Insurance
Comprehensive insurance (Kasko) covers damages to your own vehicle.
Recommended for new cars.

Additional Considerations

Customs and Import Taxes
If the car is imported, customs duties and taxes apply.
New cars bought from Turkish dealerships are already cleared.

Driver’s License
Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for a limited period.
Long-term residents should convert their license to a Turkish one, or exit and re-enter the country once every six month.

Vehicle Inspection
New cars are exempt from periodic vehicle inspections for the first few years.

Final Notes
The process is generally straightforward but can be bureaucratic.
Language barriers may exist; using a translator or a local agent can help.
Always verify the authenticity of the dealership and paperwork.
Consider consulting a legal or automotive expert for complex cases.

Important Note:
It is illegal for a Turkish citizen to drive a vehicle, any vehicle, with a foreigner registered M plate.
Both the driver and the owner will be held responsible, both will be fined.
It is also possible that the vehicle could be impounded.

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